Patents Issued in April 4, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020038474
    Abstract: A waterless urinal employs a sealing liquid comprising 4-chloro-3-methylphenol in an amount effective to act as a biocide and a compound selected from the group consisting of
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: John Atwill
  • Publication number: 20020038475
    Abstract: A ten inch piece of rubber, shaped as illustrated in Fig. A(1) which is to have an adhesive backing Fig. A(2). The guard is to be adhered to the bowl of the toilet in order to create a seal between the bowl and the seat. This item will also have various smells incorporated into the rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: James Clyde Garrett, Michele Lee Garrett
  • Publication number: 20020038476
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a base plate with an accommodating groove, an integrated circuit board, and a card-ejecting device. The accommodating groove has an open front end and a closed rear end, and is adapted to receive a smart card therein. The smart card has a front end extending from the front end of the groove, and a rear end that is spaced apart from the rear end of the groove at a small distance. When the front end of the smart card is pressed inwardly to move the rear end of the smart card to the rear end of the groove, and is subsequently released, the card-ejecting device pushes the smart card outwardly relative to the connector. Accordingly, the smart card can be ejected with ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Leland Wang, Wen-Yen Liu, Chan-Ming Hsu, Fang-Ping Wang, Shun-Jung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20020038477
    Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus for lifting and transferring of heavy objects. The lifting apparatus having a load-supporting platform which can be moved both vertically and rotated about the vertical axis of an upwardly extending lifting column. The lifting apparatus further includes an outrigger linkage coupled to the lifting column and is provided with a load support coupled to a retractable pulley. The lifting column is attached to a base and is normally prevented from rotating relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas E. Mowery
  • Publication number: 20020038478
    Abstract: A novel pre-tannage system for leather comprises treating the pelt or hide with a zeolite material in a first pre-tannage step and thereafter treating the pelt or hide with one or more modified aldehyde tanning agents. In this condition the pelt or hide is suitable for a number of different tanning steps namely chrome tannage, vegetable tannage, synthetic tannage or a combination of these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Edward Crossley
  • Publication number: 20020038479
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a functionalized fiber material treated with a emulsion containing an ascorbic acid derivative which is hardly soluble in water, wherein the ascorbic acid derivative which is hardly soluble in water is preferably tetraalkylester of L-ascorbic acid. Said treatment method comprises treating a fiber material with an emulsion comprising a mixture of an ascorbic acid derivative which is hardly soluble in water, an anionic surfactant or a combination of an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant, and water, wherein a concentration of the ascorbic acid derivative which is hardly soluble in water is 0.05 to 10 % by weight. The functionalized fiber material of the present invention enables a sustained discharge of the active ingredient without losing the moisture absorption and release properties possessed by the fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Koki Itoyama, Takatoshi Fujii
  • Publication number: 20020038480
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electrically coalescing emulsions especially those containing lipophilic fluid. The present invention is also directed to a method to treat fabrics wherein such an emulsion is created during the treatment process and requires electric coalescence prior to reuse of the lipophilic fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Christopher Deak, Paul Amaat France, Anna Vadimovna Noyes, Arseni V. Radomyselski
  • Publication number: 20020038481
    Abstract: A method for washing laundry and a wash path for laundry in bath change and/or counterflow operation, in which the laundry to be washed when passing through said wash path moves through different treatment zones with chambers 1 to 16, wherein the individual baths are composed of fresh water and waste water of other baths, wherein the waste water of at least one bath without intermediate storage and directly is at least partly supplied to another bath, and wherein no waste water is intermediately stored in the water circulation during washing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Alexander Stoll
  • Publication number: 20020038482
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for dyeing wood with a liquid dyestuff preparation containing
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Winfried Mennicke, Rolf Richter
  • Publication number: 20020038483
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hair dye composition having markedly high dyeing power, less color fade over time, and undergoes a small change in the color tone of the dye even after storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Ohashi, Hajime Miyabe, Kenichi Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20020038484
    Abstract: Disclosed are dye mixtures for shading white paper which may contain fluorescent brightener. The dye mixtures comprise a violet dye according to the formula (1) or (2) indicated in claim 1 and sufficient of a red, blue or further violet anionic azo dye that this dye mixture is capable of producing in the Cielab colour co-ordinates system a relative hue angle of 270 to 295° when the dyeing contains 0.00005 to 0.005% by weight of dye, based on the weight of the paper, with the proviso that the value 0.005% is excluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Adolf Kaser, Wolfgang Schlenker
  • Publication number: 20020038485
    Abstract: An electronic toothbrush comprising: a brush head portion having a bristle portion, to be inserted into an oral cavity, for washing teeth; and a holder portion to be exposed outside the oral cavity, an n-type semiconductor is provided so as to be capable of receiving external light; and a battery is provided so as to be capable of superposing an electric potential on the n-type semiconductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshinori Nakagawa, Takahiro Ikejiri
  • Publication number: 20020038486
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a wafer of abrasive agent suspension (slurry) remaining after polishing with brushes and DI water includes an upper gear casing having an upper side with an end, a motor in the upper gear casing, a drive shaft, an upper gear mechanism, and a lower gear casing substantially mirroring the upper gear casing. The lower receiving plate and upper receiving plate form a brush unit, between which a part of a wafer can be clamped and cleaned by rotating the brush unit. The lower gear mechanism turns the lower drive wheel in a same direction as the upper drive wheel. The cleaning is achieved by a rotational movement of a number of pairs of brushes (scrubber brushes) on both sides of the wafer and the application of deionized water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Rudiger Hunger
  • Publication number: 20020038487
    Abstract: An outer rear mirror for trucks and motor vehicles in general, provided with an automatic cleaning device, comprises an electric motor rotatively driving an endless worm, meshing with a gear wheel rigid with an elliptical cross-section element turning about a rotary shaft in turn supporting a cam member including a peripheral groove in which is engaged a drive bearing coupled to a telescopic rod sliding in a hollow cylinder, the outer rear mirror further including one or more mirror-like surface having different geometrical-optical characteristics, and a rear frame having a metal flange clamping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ivo Lazzari
  • Publication number: 20020038488
    Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
  • Publication number: 20020038489
    Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
  • Publication number: 20020038490
    Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
  • Publication number: 20020038491
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner containing an air passage system which is modified to increase the amount and speed of air drawn into the vacuum cleaner without increasing the capacity of the motor, whereby the performance of the vacuum cleaner is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Seong Ho Cho, Seong Bin Lee, Sung Il Park
  • Publication number: 20020038492
    Abstract: A one-motion grommet (10) is provided with a reduced insertion force. The grommet (10) has a small-diameter tube (11) and jaw (12) that projects back from the outer circumference of the front end of the small-diameter tube (11). The jaw (12) has a slanted outer surface (12a) with an outer diameter that increases toward the back. A body locking recess (13) is formed in or adjacent the slanted outer surface (12a) of the jaw (12). The jaw (12) is joined unitarily to the small-diameter tube (11) at a thin annular root (12c). The inner circumferential surface (11b) of the front side of the small-diameter tube (11) is flared to increase its diameter toward the front end. Thus, a gradually widening clearance is defined between the front side of the small-diameter tube (11) and the bundle of wires (W).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Takeshi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20020038493
    Abstract: A hinge structure for use in an electronic device such as a digital camera for connecting two elements and making the two elements turn against each other. A gear unit is provided, which has two gears engaging with each other and turning in opposite directions. The two gears connect respectively with the two elements. When one element is turned in one direction, through the transmission of the gear unit, another element will be driven to turn in the opposite direction, to thereby change the angle between the two elements and enhance picture taking flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Ko, Heem-Hoe Chee
  • Publication number: 20020038494
    Abstract: A fiber processing machine includes a first roll having a circumferential surface carrying a first clothing; a second roll having a circumferential surface carrying a second clothing and adjoining the first roll for taking over fiber material carried by the first roll as the first and second rolls rotate; a nip defined between the first and second clothings at a location where the first and second clothings are closest to one another; a bight defined by a generally triangular area immediately adjoining the nip and bounded by an end thereof and by circumferential length portions of the first and second clothings extending away from the nip end; and a cutting edge positioned in the bight and cooperating with one of the rolls for separating impurities from the fiber material as the fiber material is carried past the cutting edge by the roll clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Gerd Pferdmenges, Markus Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20020038495
    Abstract: A steel band for a hose clamp has a main body and at least one pair of end portions, wherein each one of the end portions has at least one slotted hole receiving a clamping screw with a screw head. The end portions are bent to form loops. Each loop has first and second legs. First and second clamping members are inserted into the loops, respectively. The first and second clamping members have a substantially cylindrical periphery. The first clamping member has a transverse bore without thread receiving a threaded shaft of the clamping screw allowing free movement of the threaded shaft. The second clamping member has a transverse threaded bore engaging the threaded shaft of the clamping screw. The first and second legs are connected to one another near the free end of the first leg by a positive-locking connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Anthes, Willi Stichel, Gerhard Wachter, Stephan Mann
  • Publication number: 20020038496
    Abstract: The invention provides a slider, which can be closed easily without a separation of a chain even if a lateral pulling load is applied to the fastener chain when the linear fastener chain is closed with the slider. An element pressing face, which is in contact with an inverted portion of a linear slide fastener element and putting it thereon, is provided along an inner side face of a flange formed on each of both right and left sides of an upper wing plate or a lower wing plate of the slider. A slope is formed on the pressing face from a front end thereof up to a vicinity of a bent portion of the flange such that it intersects an inner face of the upper or lower wing plates. A vertical wall is provided from the bent portion to a rear mouth so as to be erected from the upper or lower wing plates. The pressing face is formed on the vertical wall so that the inverted portion can be guided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamagishi, Morimasa Yoneoka
  • Publication number: 20020038497
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement (1) for sheet material of an enclosure [bubble top] of a chairlift has an enclosure frame (1) that is provided with a slot (31) receiving the sheet material of an enclosure. Into said slot (31) there may be inserted a one-piece (in a cross-sectional view) profiled rubber element (2), which surrounds the edge of the sheet material and which consists of softer material (4) at the bottom of said slot (31) than the material at the upper section (3) that engages the enclosure frame. Thus, the sheet material of an enclosure can be held in place directly and any application of synthetic foam or adhesive to the rubber seal becomes unnecessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: GARAVENTA HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Kurt Switzeny
  • Publication number: 20020038498
    Abstract: A closure for a closing strip includes a tooth strap (32) and a closure (1) with a guide for the tooth strap (32). In order to make it easy to separate the lock between the tooth strap and closure, the closure (1) has a meshing part (6,7) with a tooth and an unlocking part (16, 17), by means of which the tooth can be brought out of the meshed stage (FIG. 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Geimuplast Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ove Ahlgren, Josef Lechner
  • Publication number: 20020038499
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for strengthening a yarn (6) is described which is provided with fibers at least in a sheath zone enclosing a core zone. In order to provide advantageous process conditions it is proposed that fibers are needled from the sheath zone through the core zone along the yarn (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Monika Fehrer
  • Publication number: 20020038500
    Abstract: A coolant tube for use in a heat exchanger is manufactured by using a plate member as follows: the plate member is folded in substantially regular distances to form a plurality of folded portions; and two opposite ends of the plate member are joined in a manner that end parts of the folded portions are brought into contact with flat portions of the plate member to thereby form coolant flow passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Mando Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Yong Jae Kim, Jin Man Kim
  • Publication number: 20020038501
    Abstract: A base material of a peripheral wall and a vane rotor is formed by extrusion molding an aluminum alloy and cutting an extrusion molded article to the desired length. Further, the extrusion molded article can be molded with high accuracy by extracting the aluminum alloy after extrusion. Preferably, 6000 system of Al—Mg—Si is used as an aluminum alloy. The cutting process and polishing process are applied to the roughly molded base material to form the peripheral wall and the vane rotor. By varying the length to be cut, the volume of each retard hydraulic chamber and each advance hydraulic chamber are adjusted. When the volume of the hydraulic chambers are adjusted, the torque for relatively rotating and driving the vane rotor with respect to the housing member can be changed even pressure of working oil is the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Iwasaki, Masayasu Ushida, Sanemasa Kawabata, Yoshio Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20020038502
    Abstract: A glove mounting device is provided that includes an inner collar, an outer collar, and means for removably attaching the inner and outer collars. The inner and outer collars are adapted to form a seal between a sleeve of a glove and a surface of a structure when the collars are attached with the sleeve of the glove and a portion of the structure in between said collars. The seal formed by the glove mounting device between the glove and the structure mounts the glove mounting device to the structure and mounts the glove to the glove mounting device. The inner collar and the outer collar are rings, and the means for attaching the collars are mating threads on the inner ring and the outer ring. The inner and outer rings include opposing surfaces for forming the seal between the sleeve of a glove and the enclosure using a compressive force occurring when the inner and outer rings are attached. The outer ring includes recesses for accepting a tool designed to assist in attaching the inner and outer rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew J. Valentine
  • Publication number: 20020038503
    Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Robert B. Crocker, Kenneth Benczkowski
  • Publication number: 20020038504
    Abstract: A mechanical assembly process and device for sheet metal parts (30) are disclosed. The material of the metal sheets is displaced and upset out of a sheet metal plane by a forming energy applied by means of a tool set comprising at least one male die (6) and a female mould (4) fitted with an anvil. The forming energy is generated by impact in the form of short, successive strikes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: MARKUS ENGLER, DOMINIK SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20020038505
    Abstract: Insulating slot liners for insertion into stator core winding slots are formed from a narrow-width reel of insulating material. The width of the material is determined by the inner circumferential surface of the winding slot that must be insulated, instead of being based on the axial length of the stator core as has been the practice in the past. As a result, slot liners may be easily produced for stator cores of different axial lengths by simply adjusting the length of material cut from the reel. Preferably, the cutting mechanism used to cut the length of material is adapted to form a pair of opposed cuffs when the material is cut. An insulator blank formed in this manner is pushed into a die, thereby forming a U-shaped slot liner. A transfer mechanism functions to move the slot liner into a respective winding slot. The slot liner preferably passes through a reduced diameter guideway defined in a guide element as it is moved into the winding slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: C.W. Luttrell
  • Publication number: 20020038506
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an HAA includes a step of fixing a first lead conductor member onto a suspension, a step of attaching a second lead conductor member to at least one actuator arm, a step of fixing the suspension onto the at least one actuator arm, a step of electrically connecting the first lead conductor member fixed on the suspension with the second lead conductor member attached on the at least one actuator arm, a step of, thereafter, fixing a head slider provided with at least one head element onto the suspension, and a step of electrically connecting the at least one head element with the first lead conductor member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Takehiro Kamigama, Masashi Shiraishi
  • Publication number: 20020038507
    Abstract: A fabrication method of an industrial part having high-aspect-ratio through-hole sections using a punch and a die, includes: a first step of drilling a first hole section in a first sheet of sheet material with said punch; a second step of lifting said first sheet in tight contact with a stripper under a condition that said punch is not pulled out from the first hole section; a third step of lifting said punch so that a tip section of said punch is slightly drawn in from a bottom section of said lifted first sheet of sheet material; a fourth step of drilling a second hole section in a second sheet of sheet material with said punch; a fifth step of lifting said second sheet in tight contact with said first sheet under a condition that said punch is not pulled out from the second hole section; and a sixth step of lifting said punch so that a tip section of said punch is slightly drawn in from the bottom section of said lifted second sheet of sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Tsuji, Kazumasa Kitamura, Yoshinori Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20020038508
    Abstract: Firstly, a supporting frame is produced, whose opening is spanned by an auxiliary layer flush on one side. Following the production of microstructures, flat parts or membranes on the common plane defined by the auxiliary layer and the supporting frame, the auxiliary layer is removed, preferably by etching. In a preferred application, the self-supporting microstructures produced in accordance with the method of the invention are used as electrically heatable resistance grids in a device for measuring weak gas flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Gunter Trausch
  • Publication number: 20020038509
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bump structure, which has a hollow body, for electrically connecting a first member and a second member. Also disclosed is a method for making a bump structure, which has the steps of: preparing a molding plate with a concave mold to mold a bump-forming member; forming a conductive thin film so as to form a predetermined cavity in the concave mold of the molding plate; preparing a substrate to which the conductive thin film is to be transferred; and transferring the conductive thin film formed on the molding plate to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Soejima, Naoji Senba
  • Publication number: 20020038510
    Abstract: An automated optical inspection method detects width defects by employing locally applied width information. A defect determination is based on proximal width information of nearby parts of a conductor. Automated optical inspection systems inspect the surfaces of patterned objects for line width defects, employing line width data that is at least partially obtained automatically from analyzing a reference image of a non-defective patterned object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: ORBOTECH, LTD
    Inventors: Nissim Savareigo, Hila Shteinberg
  • Publication number: 20020038511
    Abstract: Inwardly-directed projecting portions (2, 3) are formed in a bent manner respectively at distal ends of a pair of clamping piece portions (4, 5) which are continuous with each other, and form a wire connection portion (7) of a terminal (1). A conductor portion (9) of a wire (8) is located on the inner sides of the pair of clamping piece portions (4, 5), and the pair of clamping piece portions are pressed over an entire periphery into a circular shape, and are extended in a peripheral direction, thereby causing projecting extension portions (2′, 3′), including the projecting portions (2, 3), to bite into the conductor portion. Before the pressing operation, the pair of clamping piece portions (4, 5) may be provisionally pressed to be curved, thereby causing distal ends of the projecting portions (2, 3) to bite slightly into an outer peripheral surface of the conductor portion (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasumichi Kuwayama, Masanori Onuma, Nobuyuki Asakura
  • Publication number: 20020038512
    Abstract: A bag slitting apparatus for opening a sealed bag along an edge of the bag. The apparatus has a first arm having first outer and inner surfaces, and a second arm having second outer and inner surfaces. The arms are in tensioned movable opposed relationship to each other such that the first and second inner surfaces are movably positionable against each other. One of these inner surfaces is a bladed inner surface having projecting therefrom a bag cutting blade with a distal blade tip, while the other inner surface has a blade tip receiver. Exteriorly, the first and second outer surfaces are concavedly contoured for simultaneous opposingly-squeezing receipt of a finger and thumb of a user. Placing the edge of the bag between the blade tip and blade tip receiver, squeezing the arms together such that the blade tip pierces the bag and travels to the tip receiver, and thereafter sliding the apparatus along the length of the bag edge produces a slit in the bag through which contents can be retrieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Earl J. Votolato
  • Publication number: 20020038513
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which are particularly useful in determining the location for producing aligned holes or hangers in consecutive support members such as joists from which pipe, conduit, wire, duct, and the like, will be supported, with the minimum amount of measuring or errors in measurements. The present invention includes an instrument that houses a small diameter light beam projector, e.g., a laser light beam projector, that is provided with the ability to adjust the direction of beam projection from the instrument relative to its housing. The instrument is adapted to fit through a pre-bored hole or a hanging support so as to direct the laser light beam into the desired direction to locate additional bored holes or hangers. The projected beam position is checked and if there is error, the projector is adjusted within the instrument housing to properly place the beam center at the desired location with respect to second joist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Darryl H. Kallesen, Teddy L. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20020038514
    Abstract: A level apparatus is provided with an elongate level and a support. The level and the support each have opposed ends, front and rear faces and top and bottom faces. The top and bottom faces of the support are substantially planar and parallel to one another, and the top and bottom faces of the level are substantially planar and parallel to one another. A central position on the support is pivotally connected to the level such that the rear face of the support is in opposed facing relationship to the front face of the level. The level can be used in a conventional manner without utilizing the support. However, the support can be pivoted relative to the level into an orientation where the top or bottom face of the support can be positioned on the upper face of a beam such that the level extends downwardly from the support and the beam. The level then can be used to define a plumb line to which other structural elements can be positioned or compared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Michael F. Tufariello
  • Publication number: 20020038515
    Abstract: A method of calculating golf club selection, and a calculator for implementing the method. The method involves making an initial club selection based on distance to the target, and then offsetting the initial club selection in accordance with each one of a group of factors including wind direction/speed, slope at the ball, slope at the target, target elevation, and firmness of the ground at the target. The calculator wheel for implementing the method has three overlying disks pivotally attached at the centers for calculating proper club selection based on a variety of club selection factors. The lower disk bears a plurality of radial legends each representing a club selection factor (such as wind direction/speed, slope (lie) at the ball, slope at the target, target elevation, and firmness of the ground at the target), and another legend representing available club options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Alden S. Bradstock
  • Publication number: 20020038516
    Abstract: A hole center detecting apparatus for positioning the hole of a spool and a cord accurately by determining the coordinates of two points of intersection between the inner circumference of the spool hole and a virtual straight line to compute the coordinates of the center of the hole and by moving the cord according to the computed coordinates of the hole center. A straightness measuring apparatus for measuring the curvature of a cord automatically by detecting the coordinates of three longitudinal points of the cord. A measurement apparatus for measuring a residual torsion automatically by measuring the rotation angle of the end portion of the cord before and after clamped, electrically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Kinoshita, Yoshiki Mizuta, Takahiro Yamada, Shogo Ueda, Eiji Kudo, Yuichi Kimura, Yukio Sangawa
  • Publication number: 20020038517
    Abstract: The position adjusting mechanism has a first screw, a second screw connected to the upper end of the first screw and having a pitch smaller than the first screw, and a hollow support member displaceably threaded over the second screw. The image scanning apparatus has an auxiliary scanning feed mechanism having a guide member supported on the hollow support member. A turning device such as a screwdriver is inserted from above the guide member into the hollow support member through a through hole and an insertion hole that are defined respectively in the guide member and the support member. When the second screw is turned by the turning device, the hollow support member and the guide member supported on the hollow support member are displaced upwardly or downwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoru Tsutoh
  • Publication number: 20020038518
    Abstract: A system for providing information to construction personnel directly on the building components is described. In one aspect, this system includes a tape providing preprinted sets of information. Some of the sets of information provide accurate positioning information for construction elements, while other sets of information specify the exact construction element to be placed at a specific location. The tape may be placed along a bearing face or top plate of framing for the building structure under construction. The tape may have an adherent surface which enables the tape to be immovably placed upon the bearing face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: John Barrows
  • Publication number: 20020038519
    Abstract: A corona discharge apparatus 2 is provided as an ionized gas irradiation means above a plate 3 on which a textile product 2 is placed. The ionized gas E generated by the corona discharge apparatus 4 is irradiated to the textile product 2 and the textile product is activated. The ionized gas E penetrates into the textile product 2 from surface to back under the influence of the magnetic field generated by the plate 3. The textile product 2 is fully ionized from surface to back by this method and apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Takuzo Iwata
  • Publication number: 20020038520
    Abstract: A method for drying a polyacrylamide gel, the method comprising contacting the gel with an aqueous solution of a polyhydoxy alcohol other than a polyhydroxy alcohol having at least 3 vicinal hydroxy groups and drying the gel. Examples of suitable polyhydroxy alcohols include 1,2-ethane diol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, 1,4-butane diol, 1,6 hexane diol, alkyl triol, 1,2,6-trihydroxy hexane, trimethylol propane and pentaerythritol. The gel may be dried between two cellophane sheets positioned in a drying frame arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Grace Y. Chan
  • Publication number: 20020038521
    Abstract: A method and an appliance are disclosed for the non-thermal drying of articles, in particular motor vehicle bodies, freshly painted with a water-based paint. The articles to be dried are subjected to dry air by forced convection in a drying tunnel and the moisture-laden air is dried in an air drying device by condensation to a specific target value of absolute residual moisture. So that fluctuations in the incidence of moisture can be leveled out with a low degree of inertia, with the high condensation performance remaining unchanged, only a fraction of the circulated air which is adapted in size, as required, is dried in the air drying device to a residual moisture markedly below the circulating-air target moisture, and the remaining untreated part of the circulated air is led back into the drier housing after being intermixed with the dried part-air stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Speck
  • Publication number: 20020038522
    Abstract: Described are shoes, orthodic appliances, and anatomic braces containing superelastic support members for enhanced performance. The superelastic supports provide dynamic response to deflection. As such, the superelastic supports incorporated in the soles of shoes enhance walking, running, jumping, kicking, or other motion involving the foot. The superelastic supports may be incorporated in the body of shoes to reinforce the ankle joint. The embodiments of the invention also provide superelastic supports in braces to reinforce or stabilize the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, shoulders, back, neck, hips, or other anatomy commonly associated with a degree of twisting, rotation, bending, or other desired motion. The braces also intensify the motion of anatomic structures, apply a specific resistance at the joint to strengthen the muscles during training or rehabilitation, and/or immobilize or stabilize joints, bones, or other anatomic structures during healing of an injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Russell A. Houser, James G. Whayne
  • Publication number: 20020038523
    Abstract: A method and an article for promoting a message, the method comprising the step of providing an article having an indicia applied on an outer surface of the article, at least a portion of the indicia being mirror inverted, whereby a person viewing the indicia image, as it is reflected via a mirror, is able to read and recognize the indicia in its readable orientation and to thereby receive a visual stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Jean Anne Gibbens